Love for Lincoln campaign launches to preserve Zionsville's historic Lincoln Park

ZIONSVILLE, IN (June 6, 2025) – Zionsville Parks and Recreation is launching Love for Lincoln, a new community campaign celebrating the legacy of Lincoln Park while raising funds for upcoming renovations to this cherished downtown gathering space.

 Lincoln Park has been a central part of Zionsville’s story for nearly a century. Originally known as Depot Park, it gained historical significance when President-elect Abraham Lincoln gave a speech there in 1861. Over the years, the park has grown with the town, from a bandstand added in the 1960s to the well-loved wooden gazebo built in the 1980s. 

The Love for Lincoln campaign invites residents to be part of the park’s next chapter. Planned upgrades include a larger, accessible gazebo, improved walkways and lighting, new landscaping, a signature fountain, and expanded seating – all while preserving the park’s character and historical features. 

Throughout the summer, parks staff will attend select Monday evening Village Residents’ Association events at Lincoln Park and Farmers Markets to showcase the redesign and engage with the community. 

The campaign’s signature event – Pull-a-Brick Volunteer Day – takes place Saturday, September 13 from 1–4 p.m. Volunteers will help remove bricks from the current pathways and take home one as a keepsake, with additional bricks available for a $5 donation. All existing engraved bricks will be preserved in the redesign. 

Residents can also purchase new engraved bricks for $150, to be featured in the new gazebo floor and path. Proceeds will support future park enhancements. 

After the Fall Festival, the existing gazebo will be dismantled. Pieces will be available for a $25 donation, and a limited number of decorative corbels can be reserved for $200 on a first-come, first-served basis. 

“Lincoln Park is sacred ground, and the gazebo marking the spot of Abraham Lincoln’s stop in town is the park’s most iconic feature,” said Mayor John Stehr. “I think people will love having a piece of it to cement their memories in the center of Zionsville.” 

To volunteer, donate, or learn more, visit: www.zionsville-in.gov/Love-for-Lincoln